By Abiodun Lawal
Abeokuta – Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Tuesday presented a budget proposal of N221.12 billion for 2017 to the Ogun House of Assembly.
Christened as a “Budget of Repositioning,’’ Amosun said the 2017 figure represented an increase of 10.45 per cent compared to the N200.27 billion budget for 2016.
The governor said that the 2017 budget reflected the government’s resolve to further minimise costs, and continually maximise and diversify the states capacity to generate revenues.
He said N118.30 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure, which represented 53.50 per cent of the estimates, while N102.82 billion would be for recurrent expenditure, representing 46.50 per cent.
The governor said that the expected revenue from both Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the Federation account was N155.34 billion, representing 70.25 per cent.
He said that the budget would be largely funded through IGR, stressing that the state would depend less on Federal allocations.
The governor said that the education sector had the lion share of N47.054 billion and was immediately followed by rural and infrastructure development, with N44.201 billion.
Amosun said that affordable housing and urban renewal would gulp N28.574 billion, health care delivery N15.105 billion and agricultural production/industrialisation N11.610 billion.
“Our intention to reposition the state’s economy requires us to continue to place greater emphasis on capital expenditure.
“This budget mix will support both the maintenance of existing infrastructure and allow the continued execution of more capital projects, ‘’ he said.
The governor reassured the people that his administration would complete most of the ongoing projects across the state before the end of his administration.
On education, the governor said in 2017, the state would strengthen the school oversight function via data capture, analysis, monitoring and evaluation.
“We will strengthen in-class use of ICT to enhance learning outcomes and effective educational management and also improve infrastructure development in tertiary institutions.
“In this sector, approximately 80 per cent of the education budget is typically allotted and spent for recurrent expenditure, particularly on salaries and allowances.
“We will continue to drive greater efficiency in this portion of the budget,’’ he said.
The Speaker, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, said the House of Assembly would pay all necessary attention to the proposed budget and pass it into law as soon as possible.
He said that the legislative arm of government had been collaborating with the executive arm in advancing the socio-economic development of the state.
The speaker added that the assembly had within the last one year passed three bills into law, saying that the assembly was presently considering the passage of four other bills.
“To further support the activities of the current administration and to ensure better life for the teaming populace, the House has passed 12 motions into resolutions,’’ he said.
The occasion had in attendance the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Earnest Shonekan, a former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipupo Diya (Rtd), Senators Gbolahan Dada and Iyabo Anisulolwo, as well as a foremost Chartered Accountant, Akintola Williams.